Population Dynamics of Hydrocynus forskahlii (Cuvier, 1819) from Roseires Dam Reservoir, Sudan
Mujtaba El Khair Shuaib
Fish and Aquatics Research Centre, Animal Resources Research Corporation, Sudan.
Abdalla Mustafa Hamid
Fish and Aquatics Research Centre, Animal Resources Research Corporation, Sudan.
Sayed Mohamed Ali
Fish and Aquatics Research Centre, Animal Resources Research Corporation, Sudan.
Ahmed El Bedawi Adam
Fisheries and Aquaculture Consultant, Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries, Khartoum State, Sudan.
Mutasim Yousif Mohamed Abdalla *
Fish and Aquatics Research Centre, Animal Resources Research Corporation, Sudan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study examines the growth, mortality, and recruitment patterns of H. forskahlii in Sudan's Roseires Dam Reservoir. During the study period, 675 fish specimens were collected from November 2021 to November 2022. The collected samples ranged in total length from 14.3 cm to 57.0 cm, with an average length of 30.599 ± 10.167 cm. Growth parameters, derived from the von Bertalanffy equation, yielded an asymptotic length of 58.8 cm and a growth coefficient of 0.260 yr.⁻¹. Mortality analysis showed a total mortality rate of 0.69 yr.⁻¹, natural mortality: 0.58 yr.⁻¹ and fishing mortality: 0.11 yr.⁻¹. Two recruitment peaks were identified in March/May and July/October. The exploitation rate was 0.17 yr.⁻¹, indicating under-exploitation at sustainable fishing pressure. The length-weight relationship revealed a negative allometric growth. Measures for improved fishery practices based on the study's findings are recommended.
Keywords: Hydrocynus forskahlii, growth parameters, mortality rates, recruitment, length-weight relationship, fishery management